National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on Monday, emphasizing the need for sensitivity on core concerns between the two nations. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Doval underscored that 'stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations will contribute to enhanced trust and deeper understanding between the two sides'. The meeting took place on the sidelines of a conclave of security officials from BRICS nations, with Wang Yi noting that relations between the two neighbours had gradually emerged from their low point and returned to a path of recovery and improvement under the guidance of President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As reported by Business Standard, Doval also highlighted the importance of sensitivity being consistently displayed to each other's issues of core concern, with such an approach aligning with India's overall strategy of mutual sensitivity, mutual interests and mutual respect.
During the discussions, Wang Yi emphasized that both countries had reached a strategic consensus that they are 'partners, not competitors' and should view bilateral ties from a long-term and global perspective. According to Beijing's account, Doval said the meetings between the leaders of the two countries in Kazan and Tianjin had provided direction for bilateral ties and that a stable relationship was in the common interest of both sides. The Chinese Foreign Minister advocated restoring dialogue mechanisms and expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, finance, law enforcement and media, while also calling for efforts to build public support for improved relations. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong shared Wang's views that as the two economies with the largest populations, China and India should not only view bilateral relations from a long-term perspective, but also promote cooperation between the two countries from a global perspective.
The diplomatic engagement reflects both nations' commitment to strengthening bilateral ties while maintaining focus on regional cooperation frameworks. Doval emphasised the importance of sensitivity being consistently displayed to each other's issues of core concern, though Jaiswal did not elaborate on specific core issues. As reported by Business Standard, this approach aligns with India's overall strategy of mutual sensitivity, mutual interests and mutual respect. The remarks come amid continuing efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to rebuild ties following years of tensions along the Line of Actual Control and signal India's insistence that the normalisation process must take into account the concerns of both countries. Wang also called for respecting each other's core interests, properly handling sensitive issues and ensuring that differences over the boundary question do not affect the overall trajectory of ties.
According to Business Standard, the two sides reviewed the overall situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during the meeting. Wang Yi said the progress achieved in restoring exchanges and maintaining peace along the border was 'hard-won' and should be cherished. The discussions took place as both nations work toward repairing their bilateral relationship that had been significantly strained by the prolonged military confrontation in the eastern Ladakh region. Both sides have in recent months resumed several dialogue mechanisms and stepped up diplomatic engagement aimed at restoring normalcy in bilateral ties.
According to Business Standard, China supports India in fulfilling its responsibilities as the rotating chair of BRICS, and is willing to join hands with India in promoting the development and growth of the BRICS mechanism. China backed India's chairmanship for 2026 during the discussions, with both leaders exchanging views on regional and international developments and discussing cooperation within BRICS. The diplomatic engagement reflects both nations' commitment to strengthening bilateral ties while maintaining focus on regional cooperation frameworks, signaling a cautious but positive trajectory in India-China relations following the prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh.
